Texas School District Works to Conserve the Planet
DALLAS — It saves to go green, just ask Allen Independent School District in Allen, Texas. The district has teamed up with Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, to take part in the Conserve My Planet Program.
Schneider Electric’s Conserve My Planet Program is an educational, energy-saving program for K-12 schools that includes an energy audit, educational materials, teacher and student training programs, evaluation, and recognition. Since implementing the program, the district has been about cut energy costs by $73,500 after one school year.
“Cutting energy usage was a priority, and we had a lot of good ideas, but were challenged with how to implement those ideas,” said Roy Mitchel, energy manager for Allen ISD, in a statement. “Schneider Electric helped us craft a unique program that tapped into the competitive spirit of our teachers and students and really worked for us…The results surpassed our expectations, and we’re considering extending the program to our middle and high schools.”
The program works by encouraging energy-efficient concepts in the school and giving all those involved in the school the opportunity to be involved in the program as well. Conserve My Planet Program starts with a master plan, which can address everything from how individual buildings work to recycling and environmentally friendly cleaning products, according to Schneider Electric. The program also incorporates energy efficiency into the classroom in order for students to learn firsthand how to apply the program to their studies and everyday life. Activities for students include demonstrations, field trips, student-led energy audit project plans and competitions to engage students.
“A comprehensive energy management approach is critical for schools, and truly for any organization looking to reduce energy costs,” said Tammy Fulop, vice president of Energy Solutions Sales for Schneider Electric in a statement. “As school districts across the country face budgetary considerations, energy-efficient measures, many of which can be implemented utilizing existing equipment investments, can drive significant cost savings. The program at Allen ISD is a prime example of this approach in action, and we are thrilled to see the teachers and students take an interest in the project and make an impact that will bring long term benefits.”
Schneider Electric has been working with school districts for more than 19 years and has seen the success of programs much like the one at Allen ISD happen across the country. For more information about this program and programs like it, please visit: